The Wreck (The Storm Sidestory)

[Michiko]

She had been tired of smiling when she felt like crying again. She had hoped that maybe she could entice him out even for a brief time. He worked a lot and she could appreciate that. She also knew he would be with her when he got done. She just missed going out with him. She hated being the wallflower at events.

She slipped into the passenger seat of the armored Hummer and strapped into the harness as the driver nodded to her, “It’s getting pretty bad out here, Miss Ito.” It was his job to make sure the bosses lady got to where she wanted to go and back safely.

“Yeah, Never seen anything like this before. Let’s get moving, I want to be home before things get much worse.”

He nodded as the vehicle came to life. The distinct rumble of the four by four could not drown out the howling wind. The driver was having a hard time controlling the vehicle on the rain slick pavement. He reduced the speed trying to maintain control. She was holding tight to the grab handles as they got past the city limits.

It looked like smooth sailing until the wind had sent an uprooted tree in their direction. The driver swore and swerved to avoid the collision. He then swerved back, over compensating and the Hummer went out of control. The terrain was hilly and sent the Hummer rolling over and down the embankment. Both occupants tried desperately to cover their heads as the glass shattered and the metal tried to bend around them. The armored plating had protected them from the worst of it as the Hummer ended on it’s wheels off the road.

She moaned softly, trying to ignore the throbbing in her head and left arm. She tried to turn to the driver who was unconscious from the impact. With a groan she managed to reach over and flipped a switch on the dash. She prayed someone at the house would hear it. She reached into the console next to her with he right hand and located her cellphone. She flipped it open and scrolled through the menu. She fought back a wave of pain and nausea.

Once the number was located, she was only coherent enough to send off a brief text. A tear slipped down her cheek as she fought to stay conscious, “(vq) Caine.”

The Text…

“911.”